PhD Student in Electrocatalysis for Sustainable Energy Conversion

Linköpings Universitet · Full-time

Linköping, Sweden

For more information about this position https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/lediga-jobb/29830 Your responsibilities The project focuses on developing and optimizing electrocatalysts and electrolyzer systems for sustainable energy conversion. The research will address both fundamental and applied questions in electrocatalysis, including water splitting, CO₂ conversion, upgrading of biomass-based molecules, and other small-molecule transformations. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the relationships between catalyst structure, interfacial processes, the local reaction environment, and electrochemical performance. The project aims to translate fundamental mechanistic understanding into broadly applicable strategies for optimizing catalysts and electrochemical systems. For more information, see the full job posting at the link above. As a PhD student, you will focus on your doctoral education and the research project in which you participate. Your work may also include teaching or participation in other departmental duties, up to 20 percent of full-time employment. Your qualifications You hold a degree at the advanced level in chemistry or materials science, or have completed courses totaling at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits at the advanced level in chemistry or materials science, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge. A strong background in one or more of the following areas is meritorious: More than one year of practical laboratory experience in electrochemistry or electrocatalysis, particularly in water splitting, CO₂ conversion, biomass upgrading, or other catalytic reactions with small molecules. Materials chemistry, catalyst synthesis, materials characterization, or surface and interfacial science, including electrolyte–electrode interactions and solvation at interfaces. Experience with transition metal-based electrocatalysts is meritorious. Testing of electrolyzers, reactor design, and optimization of electrochemical systems. Operando characterization, such as XRD, Raman, FTIR/ATR-SEIRAS, XAS, and EQCM. Experience in developing correlative characterization strategies to investigate mechanistic questions is meritorious. Scientific research and publishing, particularly peer-reviewed publications as first author in surface and interfacial science, catalysis, electrochemistry, environmental technology, or related fields. Industrial research or practical experience in areas such as flue gas treatment, energy storage systems, or energy infrastructure for electric vehicles and other vehicles with alternative drivetrains. International study, research, or industrial experience, combined with documented ability to work effectively in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments. Very good ability to communicate in English. Knowledge of additional languages is meritorious. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who are motivated to work across disciplinary boundaries in electrochemical catalysis, spectroscopy, materials science, and sustainable chemical conversion. This position requires good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing. The candidate should be able to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment. Important personal qualities include scientific curiosity, creativity, problem-solving ability, accuracy in experimental work, and a strong motivation to develop new methods and ideas. Your workplace Your workplace will be Lizhou Fan's research group at https://liu.se/organisation/liu/ifm/mdesign, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University. For more information, see the full job posting at the link above. Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability This recruitment is linked to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wisematerials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is Sweden's largest investment in materials science to date and includes major commitments at Sweden's leading universities over the course of 12 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Young researchers recruited to the WISE program will be part of the WISE Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program with seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multidisciplinary and international network among PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, researchers, and industry. Read more: https://wise-materials.org/ About the position Upon taking up the position, you will be admitted to doctoral education. The position is time-limited to normally four years full-time. Extension of employment up to five years occurs based on the degree of teaching and departmental duties. In special circumstances, further extension may occur. You will initially be employed for one year, after which the position will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, based on progress in your study plan. Start date by agreement. Salary and benefits PhD student salary is regulated according to a locally agreed salary scale. Read more about employee benefits https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner. Trade union contacts For information about trade union contacts, see https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande. Application Welcome to apply for this position no later than October 2, 2026. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives—this enriches and develops our operations. For us, it is self-evident to uphold equal value, rights, and opportunities for all. Read about our work on https://liu.se/artikel/lika-villkor/. We look forward to receiving your application! Linköping University has procurement agreements and requests that we do not accept direct contact from staffing and recruitment firms or sellers of job postings.